Best of New Zealand 29 days (Auckland - Christchurch)
Day 1 and 2 Auckland
Suggested campsite: Takapuna Beach Holiday park
With a mix of natural wonder and adventure, Auckland is a great place to start your New Zealand journey. Take in the panoramic views from the iconic Sky Tower.
Discover world-class food and wine in Auckland’s many eateries and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
If you have time, visit one of the Hauraki Gulf's many glittering islands to walk through beautiful native bush or take a magical vineyard tour.
Alternatively, head out west and explore the beautiful black sanded beached Karekare, Muriwai or Piha.
Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua (travel 226 km)
Suggested campsite: Lake Okareka DOC Campsite
Your journey to Rotorua will take you through a fascinating mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. Walkers can stop to explore the many trails of beautiful Pureora Forest Park, home to several rare bird species. Trout fanciers may like to try their luck at Lake Whakamaru.
Rotorua itself is packed with activities from relaxing in hot pools to bungy jumping and mountain biking. See more must do experiences in Rotorua.
For the more adventurous, try the famous Skyline luge, bungy jumping, mountain biking or zip-lining through the forest canopy.
Owh! And don’t forget to stop in ‘Middle Earth’ Hobbiton movie set along the way.
Day 4 and 5: Rotorua
Day 6: Rotorua – Taupo (80 km)
Suggested campsite: Taupo Holiday Park
Easy travel day today! The geothermal sights continue as you travel towards the resort town of Lake Taupō. Take a side road to a Orakei Korako Cave and thermal park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. At Huka Falls take a break and watch the raging water plumet over the falls at 220,000 litres of water per second.
Lake Taupō is well stocked with sizeable trout, a must for fly-fishers. Or take a boat cruise or kayak on the lake to visit the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay (see picture), an excellent way to learn about the history of the area.
Day 7 and 8: Taupo
Day 9: Taupo – Wellington (423 km)
Suggested campsite: Battle Hill campground
The drive from Taupō to Wellington is a stunning mixture of volcanoes, rivers valleys and wide open plains. Along the way take time to stop in Tūrangi, the trout fishing capital of New Zealand or the nearby hot springs of Tokaanu. If you have time you can try rafting the Tongariro River.
In Waiouru, the QE2 Memorial Museum is well worth a look and is the stunning Mangaweka Gorge. From here make your way through the Wairarapa and down the beautiful Kāpiti Coast and in to Wellington, the world's coolest little capital.
Spend the morning visiting the city's many art galleries and museums, including the stunning national Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. Discover the secrets behind The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies with a Wētā Cave Workshop Tour.
In the afternoon walk to the summit of Mount Victoria for 360-degree city views and take the chance to soak up Wellington's lively cafe scene.
Day 10 and 11: Wellington
Day 12: Wellington – Picton – Nelson (ferry + 134 km)
Suggested campsite: Pelorus Bridge campsite
Travel across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds in one of the world's most scenic ferry trips. From the picturesque seaside town of Picton travel west to Nelson. Enjoy a bush walk or swim at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve or stop at one of the many vineyards that make this region so famous for wine.
Nelson is a great place to organise join an eco-adventure, become immersed in the local creative culture, or simply relax on one of the many stunning beaches.
Day 13 and 14: Nelson
Day 15: Nelson – Greymouth (travel 288 km)
Suggested campsite: Rapahoe Beach Holiday Park
From Nelson you will travel up the Motueka River Valley past magical scenery and tiny settlements. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge.
Continue on towards the coast where spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea follow you to Greymouth. Don't miss the spectacular pancake rocks (see picture) and booming blowholes in Punakaiki, centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park.
In Greymouth, discover the region's long gold mining history with a trip to the local museum or nearby Shantytown.
Day 16: Greymouth
Day 17: Greymouth – Franz Josef Glacier – Fox Glacier (travel 202 km)
Suggested campsite: Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park
As you make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier, take time to visit the fascinating town of Hokitika, famous for its annual Wild Food Festival. Wander through the forest canopy at the nearby Treetops Walk.
A short distance from Franz Josef town centre you will find the glacier terminal. To get up close join a guided walk or heli-flight and walk on the ice itself. A short drive south from Franz Josef, takes you to Fox Glacier. The road crosses ancient moraines from earlier advances and retreats.
Day 18: Fox Glacier
Day 19: Fox Glacier – Wanaka (travel 262 km)
Suggested campsite: Outlet Camp Wanaka
Waterfalls and river scenery greet you as you leave the coast journey into Haast Pass. The road snakes through the Aspiring National Park, and the vegetation becomes more sparse as you travel inland.
The lakeside town of Wānaka has a variety of unique attractions for you to discover. Puzzling World and the quirky Paradiso Cinema are worth a visit. Or take a walk along one of the region's many trails, make sure you check out the famous Wānaka tree growing from the lake.
Day 20 and 21: Wanaka
Day 21: Wanaka - Queenstown (travel 67 km)
Suggested campsite: Hampshire Holiday Parks Arrowtown
The short one hour drive from Wānaka to Queenstown has plenty of break points along the way. Visit the vineyards of the Gibbston area or stop to watch bungy jumpers leap from the Kawarau River Bridge.
Queenstown itself is an exciting mix of sophistication, stunning scenery and adventure. It is the perfect place to try bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and skydiving. Or for something a little more relaxing, indulge in some luxury with gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf.
Day 22 and 23: Queenstown
Day 24: Queenstown – Lake Tekapo (travel 256 km)
Suggested campsite: Lake Tekepo Holiday Park
On your way north to Lake Tekapo, take time to visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary, home to many rare native species.
Travel inland from Oamaru via Kurow and Twizel. You'll pass the stunning Southern Alps and get a view of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook.
The arrival into Lake Tekapo is always spectacular, the unusual colour of the lake will have you pulling to the side of the road for a better look. This area is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world – the vast spectrum of stars at night are unmatched, anywhere. A stargazing tour is a great way to learn more.
Day 25 and 26: Lake Tekapo
Day 27: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (travel 226 km)
Suggested campsite: Tasman Holiday Park
As the South Island’s largest centre, Christchurch has a fascinating mixture of heritage and innovation.
The tranquil Avon River, meandering through the city, is perfect for old-fashioned punting. Historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Further afield, the Port Hills are great for mountain biking or travel to Akaroa on Banks Peninsula (see picture) and discover friendly wildlife and unique French history.
